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Yinghua stretched her arms as she walked to the car in the parking lot with her fiancé, Fang ruffled her hair as his gentle smile remained in her mind. "Hope you feel well, okay? I don't want to see you feeling exhausted," he confessed, seeing her rubbing her eyes. 'Wait, how did he knew I was sick yesterday?' she thought, before he pinched her cheek. "Wait, how do you know?" she asked him, before she squeaked when his pinch becoming rougher--leaning her head on his chest. His hands has bigger build and slender with fair complexion like her, he released her cheek. "Our bonds, think our hearts are connected that your pain and fear are on my own and my strength will become yours. Such connection of power given by the Gods, that's awesome, don't you agree? Although our emotions made us reckless, nothing can separated our comrades or let alone a bad separation," Fang explained to her.
Yinghua was silent, Fang gently rubbed his finger against her lips, staring into her dark chocolate brown eyes that entranced him... no matter how many time he told her that she was so gorgeous. She simply smiled up at him. 'She has the same dream... that my heart realized and accepted, it's possible,' Fang thought, touched her cheek and leaned in to kiss her slowly, his smile remained sweet and kind. No more darkness nor sadness, all is clear in Xue Yinghua's lifeline--making his lips curled against her. "Hmmm..." the young woman blushed, her hands grasped his arm and let him claimed her pinkish-soft lips.
Both of them pulled away when they sensed an incoming two Black Beasts approaching them, before both of them nodded at each other and reverted into their combat forms. Yinghua transformed as well, revealing her combat form from her past--retaining her outfit which is a dark blue hanfu with high collars and black sleeveless turtleneck underneath, with an underdress of light cyan inner first robe and second white inner hanfu garb underneath. With her long-knee length layered sleeves exposed her upper arms, she retained her black shorts and black thigh-high strapped boots with golden back-heels with her hanfu decorated with white cherry blossom motifs and patterns in the middle of her garb below her dark blue and white sash, since her hanfu was quite long and reaching below her ankles but flexible enough not to make her fall. She donned her black fingerless gloves, before pulling her black hair into ponytail with dark blue ribbon and cherry blossom ornaments.
Fang retained his past attributes and appearance in his combat form, holding his gunlance and sword on his hands--so does Yinghua with her sword and gunblade. His black hair was straight and slightly messy; single bangs on his left side; revealing his forehead and and his hair reached his back, with a silver earring on his right ear. Wearing a a black armored Chinese robe with high collars and almost exposing the mid-part of his chest, along with loose pants and ancient Chinese style black boots with silver tips on the front, added with back heels on his boots. In addition, he wears a fingerless black gloves.
"I missed this, I won't let others distracted by my beautiful fiancée," Fang flirted, with a smug grin. She puffed her cheeks with a smile, being cheerful and bright while gripping on her sword. "How perverted."
Despite what happened between Yinghua and Fang, they didn't seem to regret finding each other again; not just that, the feelings of her and Fang are the same just more strong. Fang was the first person in her heart, so was her in his heart. Without her, the life within him would never come back to hope. Unlike those weak and pathetic creatures, Black Beasts are dark entities being consumed by malevolence thus made them to be soulless-like demons. "Let's not be reckless this time, Yinghua. Use your divine attack--Mantle Of Stars and my ability; Heaven's Diversion, use it. Align yourself within the lines of a divine blade that sliced through an impenetrable body and mind," Fang spoke to her, preparing for another epic moment of strength. Both of them combined their powers when they slashing and attacking the creature fiercely, both didn't hesitate about it.
"Right."
Yinghua answered, before she swung her sword as she sprung above the ground with her air dash attack; the ability she learns to improve herself through her training. While Fang sprung above the floor with his double-air dash--both of them leaped into the creatures like a phoenix and dragon; Yinghua roared, her energy converging with Fang's and then releasing it all to the ground. "Phew, at least the enemy shall taste our love and desires."
Fang simply chuckled, listening to her. "Now come here," he said, leaning to her and giving a deep loving kiss on her. She kiss him back, before hugging him tight. This is the only way for both of them keep their memories until the day comes the darkness will be cleansed, not forever but it will reside as its chance has come. Just wait, they are expecting. "Because we haven't confessed properly nor kiss in Xanadu Dynasty, this should redeem all of it," Fang continued, causing her face turned scarlet red. After 40 seconds of kissing him feverishly, Fang released her as they hold hands and went inside the car--reverting back into their civilian forms and their weapons are hidden as well. "Fang... you never been this mischievous and bold before," Yinghua stammered, her hands rubbing on her cheeks.
Fang rolled his eyes in comedic manner, turning on the engine. "Just know that both of us will never get old, this relationship keep renewing with various wishes granted or fulfilled. I cannot bear seeing you fall upon the despair nor darkness consumes your soul, I'll guide you back to the path and prove how much the bond is," he swore, holding her hand and kissed her knuckles. The sweet moment of silence, as Fang saw her blushing... and it's so cute. "Sure, now let's just drove off home. I'm very tired from taking notes today," she stated, making him chuckled as his brown eyes focused on the road. "Usually, you're very energetic and bright... Yinghua, now you're so cute and shy. This personality fits you, be honest."
"Wait, what?"
"Okaaaaaaay," Fang replied to her in a sing-song voice, as he turned on the radio. Yinghua stared at her window, before she smiled with a carefree smile. There is one thing remains for the couple, there's more that will come. "Is it true that Baiheng and Jinghua are... you know, together?" Yinghua asked, now hearing the melody of the pop music Fang turned on the song he likes. "From what I heard, since they dated 2 months ago. Sometimes, he'd buy her roses and sometimes being close to each other--actually, in the meeting room they would chat about something, especially seeing those new technique they learned from the ancient books and scrolls," the black-haired male explained, and grinning. "Though, she helped him to relax and calm down. At least those days are not happening again," Yinghua said, getting little teary when remembering her and Fang's painful experience in past... and before coming back to live.
What are those two having are equal relationship that even their bonds also strengthen, Baiheng needed some trust and companionship to Jinghua and their experiences were useful at all. The young woman with black hair leaned her head against the car seat as her eyes wandered, observing the view of the buildings. 'How long has it been? Before one person is suffering and the other comes to the rescue, the choice they were gonna choose,' Yinghua thought, being lost in her emotions. "Our hearts are pure and honest, through the darkness and light are sometimes within us. Don't you know?" Fang murmured to her, a faint smile from his lips.
When they've arrived home, both of them are in their civilian forms as they closed the door behind. Seeing their living room and cozy place for themselves. He embraced her as she wraps her arms around him, feeling the warm she can received--just like her dream every night she remember and not let it forgotten ever. Just like Yinghua, Fang was hugging her gently and rubbing her back while kissing her black hair on her temple that reached her mid-back. "After you sacrifice yourself in the past, I've been grieving for more than a week..."
Yinghua muttered, trying to regain her composure and listen to his beating heart. "For me, I started my journey anew. Even you can never imagine how hard for me to find you even my heart are in despair, my parents helped me. One day, you will come back... and this whole time has become eternal," Fang whispered, soothing her emotions. How much the trauma, regrets and guilt she had was so great that it burdened her existence; she never hesitate to do anything that will help their world, whether the people need her and her wish will be granted in ways how much she used her power. "I'm back, and I wish things were back to normal," she told him, tugging on his clothes.
Fang soothes her by doing shush sounds as he gently rub her back, before she hummed and let him kiss her forehead. After thousands of years, they can be together and never look back. Will everything be truly fine and dandy? Who knows? Yinghua wondered that question lingered in her mind ever since.
It feels like a few minutes gone by, as Fang cupped her cheeks before the black-haired man captured her lips once more--tender and passionate. His heartbeat was faster than hers when his cold hands managed to caress her skin and then run his fingers through her flowing and soft midnight-black hair. Their bodies pressed together, feeling the warmth was familiar and similar like their first kissed they shared. He looked into her eyes with the colors full of honesty and sincerity.
"Your behavior slightly changed a little and you're now bolder than before..."
She pointed out, pulling away and the crimson blush dusted her cheeks. Despite what he have in his hands, their hearts felt they will beat together no matter what may happen or anytime they make sure their love will lead them to a peaceful life. Their fates was supposed to be bound and broken, now put together, bringing peace they wanted. "After listening to your confession as an encouragement, I have no doubt that we'll stay and fulfill what we must do--prove the point about our existence is still meaningful and kept improving our knowledge, willpower and strength. That's why... those who are envious of you, I couldn't help but become a jealous asshole," Fang simply said, touching her lips and his cool chocolate-brown eyes staring at her affectionately.
Yinghua reach out her hand to hold his cheek, smiling at him. "You changed your personality a little, huh. What exactly happened at the past 3,000 years?" the black-haired girl asked, her messy midnight-black hair flows down below her shoulders, her brown eyes stares up at him. It is the same as before, but both of their appearances have become quite more refined and their elegance and beauty in their forms were the same. "My Beauty Prince..." she whispered, before he whispered back. "My Elegance Princess... I can't wait for the next generation when are we should start."
Right, there were so many adventures waiting for them--for better or for worse, and they're always together. The story will continued, just maybe the future have something to prepare and given as reward... even fate has its own mystery to conceal. For every struggle and victory, it shall remain... at least, have your friends standing with you to fight--not out of boredom or simple entertainment.
"Yinghua! Fang! We're here!"
Mingxia shouted happily as she saw her daughter Yinghua welcoming them here, hugging her as her younger brother; Jinfeng came with his father--Xue Jun. Fang greeted his father Zhou Cheng like usual along Yuelan; his mother and his little sister Feihung is here. "It's been a while, huh? Didn't know that we're alive the whole time?" Jun asked the two, blinking. "Yeah," Yinghua hummed, Feihung walked towards her and held her hand. "Please make me your sister-in-law?"
"Hey, you're much younger than Yinghua! Wait for a few years!"
Yuelan reminded her daughter, when they prepared their dish and feast to celebrate their reunion. Feihung was hugging Yinghua happily and being spoiled. She wished she wanted to meet them, because the Black Beasts are still out there so... they'll be keep waiting for now. Jun was holding a dish as he prepare the bowls of vegetables, while Jun was busy re-arranging the fruits into bowl. The smell of chicken, duck, pork and soup made the siblings' stomach rumbled while everyone laughed. "So, did you and Fang took good care of each other?" Jun asked, fixing the bamboo stick. "We did," Yinghua answered, gulping and remembering what happened right now. "We made a happy journey together, did a lot of jobs and even my job."
"And we always stayed together through thick and thin, also... Fang is very much an exceptional guy. In fact, he reminds me of myself in the past..." Jun trailed off, holding his child's hand. 'Now that I have some memories back, even the tragedy in our life...' he mused, rubbing her brown hair. Meanwhile, everyone prepared the food on their table after it was arrange neatly. "Did you marinate the eggs overnight, Yinghua?" Fang asked, watching her taking out the large bowl of marinated eggs. "Yeah, I did!"
"Fang-ge! Look at my drawings!"
Feihung greeted him as she looked the same except her short hair slightly curly a little, also reaching her upper back and wearing a crimson dress with a pair of black sleeves, exposed shoes. Her red ribbon are still on her head and her dark reddish-brown eyes stayed the same. "It seems you've grown taller, huh? Well, aren't you the luckiest?" Fang complimented her drawings, wondering the possibilities. They sat on a round table, made by both metals and stones together. The main attraction of the feast, are the various dishes on the table. "You've grown more handsome in front of my eyes, son. Even your muscles are well-built as mine--do remember to groom your self and always protect yourself and Yinghua!" Cheng stated, holding up his glass cup to congratulate them.
Fang went petrified when his father stated, making him shuddered. "Stop it, dad... you're embarrassing me," he stated. Yinghua giggled while playing with his messy bangs. Since her bond is so strong, they can speak to each other through their thoughts and hearing their 'mind-chatting'. He even hear her voice when they traveled the worlds around, the link that no one cannot break. Jun nodded, looking over his wife beside him as Mingxia told her son Jinfeng to be nice towards Fang (because he can be fiery sometimes and tried to pick a fight with Fang out of sibling rivalry). "Jinfeng, you better be good to Fang or you're grounded," his mother threatened as he shuddered.
"What...? I barely sparred with him once! Our relationship might have caused a chaos but it was fine," Jinfeng countered, eating some noodles. Jun sipped on his tea, as Mingxia crossed her arms. Fang remembered his childhood, often plays with his family. It was their peaceful and serene life they've earned without hesitation, since that's how the families are bonded--without any greed or selfish desires or jealousy that will make the relationships become difficult. "Whatever, I like peaceful live anyways," the young man said, a slight smug smile was plastered on his lips. Yinghua agreed, it's her dream and her wish were fulfilled.
They made a toast, cheered and ate all together. Yuelan sat down beside Yinghua, and gave her a piece of tofu pudding (heavenly tofu); it was served in a bowl and it taste so delicious from Yinghua and her mother. "Yinghua, our house has lot of vacant bedrooms to live in, and your office have a room to stay so... don't work too hard," the black-haired woman told her daughter-in-law. She began eating, gulping after her last bite. "I won't, mom. Thanks, I'll take care of myself," Yinghua spoke, thanking her before she ate the dessert again. Cheng stroke his daughter Feihung's long black hair, a playful grin appeared on his features. "Jun, I really missed long hair... like come on, having long hair means that we respect our ancestors who had long hair from 2,000 years back, the Warring States Period," Cheng stated to his best friend.
Then, Jun groaned as his thoughts are broken. "So do I, but that was such a hassle and it takes longer time to wash and to dry in the past when we're young. Don't you remember those struggles and pain of not washing for a week without proper equipment back in the days?" he asked, now he feels refreshed unlike in the past. "Yeah, still we can revert into our combat forms and our hair grows longer like our teenage years," the young man replied, his voice firm. "Better than fighting with short hair."
"True, the hairstyles they have doesn't last forever. Just seeing Baiheng's hair like Cheng's, even Ruqian's," Jun commented, nodding his head as he looked at him before wiping his mouth. As Jun reminisce the memories when the wars are spreading, the bloodbath all over Xanadu due to rival factions and warlords trying to gain more power. "Times do change, but now they're living under the imperial and constitutional monarchy. It's kinda peaceful for now, but the problem of Black Beasts remain," he stated, smacking his fist on his hand. Yinghua finished her dessert, wiping her lips when she take a large cup of water and drinking it, as she is refreshed. Mingxia keep watching on them, smiling gently and the only thing she could be ever grateful was raising her son and married to her beloved, the happiness she couldn't get.
Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.
Even life is too much, the things that worth everything... was happiness and being together even the lives were going their separate ways. No matter how different, different ways does not mean being lonely or neglected. Like all people who struggled and survived, the road to home... the way home to loved ones are well-deserved, cherished and beautiful like paradise or even heaven. "Fang, let's spar again!" Yinghua cheered as both of them take their martial arts pose.
"Bring it on, Yinghua!"
He smiled, even their voices were a bit loud for Yuelan to hear and warned them not to use their special attacks. The young couple are sparring against each other, in their combat forms. "Nice techniques and moves, son," Jun commented, laughing heartily. Cheng grinned, before pulling Yuelan to his arms as she embraced his muscular body. "Meh, my love... I wished this moment never fade," he murmured to her ears. "Get a room, you two."
Jun grumbled, after he finished his tea as the sunlight and white clouds are hovering in the blue sky. Feihung was playing with Jinfeng from the distance, as Mingxia sat beside her husband--looking at Jun who keep eyeing on them as if nothing goes wrong. They have their own unique styles they fight in their sparring, not until Yinghua pinning Fang down after her elbow nearly strike his chest. "Hm? What's this?" Yinghua hummed teasingly, a mischievous smile plastered on her lips. 'Stop that, Yinghua...' Fang thought, not expecting her to pin him in her grasp, even he nearly about to grab her and turn things around. "Fuck, not again... Elegance Princess."
"Caught ya', Beauty Prince," the black-haired young woman teased him, causing him to blush as both of them staring into their eyes and into each other's lips before getting closer and brushed their lips against each other, followed by a soft kiss.
Yuelan covered her daughter's eyes, telling her not to watch the smooching happening over there. Fang letting her body feel his warm body, his muscular arms touching her neckline and her smooth porcelain skin. The heat remains, for now that is. This made Jun facepalmed, hearing his son yelled. "What the fuck--GET A ROOM YOU TWO!"
Jinfeng yelled, while Jun was tempted to kick Fang's ass for stealing a kiss in front them by... 'accident'. Feihung puffed her cheeks, feeling slightly upset that her mother covering her eyes. "Oooops!" Yinghua laughed nervously, even Fang who laughed as well and helping her getting up properly. "Yinghua, Fang, that was unorthodox--even kissing like that," Mingxia said with a sigh, while Cheng was so flustered to the core and fainted on the spot and Jun had to kick his face to wake him up.
"Sorry sorry!"
"Kids these days..."
Few hours later...
"Do you remember our sangjit ceremony?" Fang asked, referring to their traditional engagement during the Sangjit feast in the past. Yinghua recalled that engagement when she clean the dishes, she nodded with a smile. "Yeah, I do," she answered, looking at the photos of their ceremony--both Tingjing and Sangjit with different attributes. It's so soothing and comforting. Yinghua would give herself into the loving embrace, letting herself enjoyed their moment of sweetness and quietness, for the first time. Then, she finished cleaning the dirty plates and cups--placing them on the right place. Her hands embraced his shoulders and letting him kissing her deeper and his hand slipped down her back, making her hum and squeaked by his soft gentle caresses against her small waistline.
There is still more.
Yinghua felt at peace as her hand held him, her head on top of his chest and her eyes never wants to drift to darkness. "Oh right, there'll be an attack of the Black Beasts. Come on, we should meet the other Chief-Generals," Yinghua said, her fiancé nodded as they reverted into their combat forms and dashing outside with the door's instantly locked from outside--with their key and spare key on them.
--------------------------------------FLASHBACK-------------------------------------
Yinghua was wearing a dark blue long qipao with white high-collared cape that exposed her shoulders, with dark blue sleeves and cherry blossom motifs. Her long black hair was pulled into loose traditional ponytail, added with a flower hair clip and light makeup, before realizing Fang was nearby. Fang was wearing a matching dark blue changshan with light blue cherry blossom motif with leather gloves on his hands, his messy short black hair has a few locks falling over his ears. Yinghua was so bashful that she was too embarrassed to show up, while staring at his tall and muscular frame. A few flowers also adorn on her hair, and her peach lips was painted into soft pink color. She was holding her round silk fan that is a tuanshan, before she heard him called.
"Yinghua."
Fang called her when he touched her hand, giving a gentle kiss on her hand. "F-Fang..." she stammered, blushing again. She was looking at the environment around them which is full of Chinese temples, torches and lanterns. The sun was gleaming and the white fog covered half of the temple. When she and Fang walk along the stairs to reach their area, her heart never skip a beat before both of them arrived in the circular platform of the park. "Woah... so amazing," Yinghua whispered to herself, looked above to see the morning sun, the reflection of the water and the waterfall nearby that reflects the shade of blue-green waterfalls. So beautiful to her view, what remains as perfect... are Fang and Yinghua's happy faces.
"You know my flaws already, Yinghua. No matter what your destiny chosen, or anything that been casted upon us--let's face it, no matter the obstacles you need to overcome the sorrow... and I believe you can succeed through this," Fang spoke to her, smiling sincerely as his brown eyes entranced hers. The ceremony has began after they finished the whole offerings, now it was time for their confession. "Xue Yinghua, I want to say thank you for staying with me and became my partner--sharing the pain we suffered and happiness, like our friendship. No matter what happened or whatsoever, please stay close to me and don't fall into the darkness, because I'll won't leave you alone. Promise to keep our bond tighter," he continued, feeling ashamed yet knowing the meaning of the ceremonies can change everything if they wanted to. "Ever since the death of my comrades, you've been with me every time," he concluded, after saying his vow.
The young man waited, in case she say her words.
Yinghua wanted to cry in front of him, but kept her façade to never be shattered apart. "Zhou Fang, I want to say thank you for being my partner and promised our loyalty until the time came--facing the people's cruel decisions and keep our dreams alive. Even the times in the battlefields which we faced doesn't going to stop us from changing, because you and I shared the same problem... even our fates' twists are what the world has brought to us. Please, the next time you see my sadness--can you encourage and give strength just to make me stronger? Because, you also been by my side and comfort me after my comrades' death, and... I want to repay you back," Yinghua said, trying not to cry at him.
"This is so romantic, oh my Gods..." Meiying whispered to herself, smiling at them when her hand clench on her lap. Sui-Feng gave them more fruits, with Jinghua eating dumplings and Zilian drinking tea and blowing cold air off of the cup. "Damn, this ground pork taste so good!" Yang whispered to Lingshan, who grabbed more pork meat with a happy expression. 'Good, finally will reach... our new destiny soon,' Yaoren thought, his hands grasp tightly as Mingyu and Meixiu were whispering about their future together. "There's also a surprise for you," Fang said to her, making Yinghua tilted her head in confusion. 'Eh?'
Fang kneeled down on one knee, revealing a huge blue and white bouquet filled with arranged cherry blossoms along beads and laces--the rings in the middle of the bouquet. Yinghua was so surprised and shocked that she can't speak at all. "You ready, my dear Yinghua?" he asked her, smiling at her with a blissful and giddy expression on his handsome face. The young woman covered her lips out of embarrassment, she was so cheerful that the girl named Xue Yinghua is so vulnerable than ever. "I'm ready..." she said with a smile, lowering her hand to reveal her tear-stained face.
The Sangjit ceremony has succeeded, the love has spread beyond just a friendship. Now, the future awaits... the ultimate destiny.
Yinghua observed the decoration with pink and white flowers around her, resembling the color of cherry blossom--he worked hard and did not choose the easy way; the prove that his feelings were genuine. "This is too beautiful," she whispered, admiring the scenery. But, only thinking about getting married and the two of them became one; their wedding night shall be. She accepted the bouquet and both of them received some rings for a pledge. The ring belongs to Yinghua, she pulled it out and inscribed the ring: "Only you can break my ice, thus melt my coldness upon our bonding" inside,she inserted the ring into his ring finger. "Keep this, and cherish our friendship and love last forever until the end of this bond which is, my love..." Yinghua said to him with a gentle grin plastered on her rosy cheeks, as he admired the ring and showed a heartwarming smiled.
"Of course, my future bride."
Fang kissed her forehead as he pulled her for an embrace, Yinghua wrap her arm around his shoulder while her other arm is holding a bouquet. Both of them aware that everyone was cheering and celebrating around their union, they just don't want to separate after a true love they spend. "Hahahaha~ you know, you did so well today!" Meiying congratulated her advisors, clapping her hands. "This was long awaited, not a marriage however but their development to succeed," Zilian spoke, patting Meiying's head and his eyes locked to the Princess when she almost losing her balance.
When the celebration is about to end, Yinghua stood up and looked around with a bright smile as Fang also stood up and walked beside her as both families watched both of them together from the distance. Yinghua remembered when Fang suddenly confessed and proposed to her in Bali, where that time...
Fang woke up, seeing the rays of light coming through his room; realizing the past events with his comrade, his partner and the only girl in his life whom he trusted completely with her life. Knowing their relationship is strong and Yinghua is ready to fight for him, her voice telling him that her own life is more important than his and wanting them to live together in a better life. "Yinghua..." he muttered, a smile slowly crept on his face.
Someday, one day--he was planning to do that.
Fang entered hotel with Yinghua after completing their jobs, his face is tired and full of exhaustion--but he tried his best to stay strong because Yinghua is his partner and they always go together. "Man, what's wrong with this world..." he grumbled. He was a lot more stressed than she has been when they realized that the war just ended recently, but what the hell is going on. With all the complications she has faced while fighting the monsters, it's hard to think about it. "Fang, no need to worry about it... because I want to eat some spicy food so bad..."
Yinghua said to him, she was badly injured after fighting against the two powerful Dragons at the same time during their trip together, of course being his first priority is she who protected him in the most desperate attempts--she was a brave soldier; even though she didn't show too much vigor. "Rough day, huh?" Yinghua grinned. Fang looked at her in disbelief, how could she act like this? He found himself getting more annoyed by the silliness, his anger and frustrations building up inside of his core but he wasn't exactly sure of his goal--until he felt her hand on his back; her warmth comfort him. He was surprised, he couldn't speak a word but her presence alone assured him that they are not enemies, just friends and soldiers together to face whatever this world has. She is his only happiness, in this world.
But now, it's time for him to confess.
Few weeks later, Yinghua was humming a song before hearing the birds chirping happily under the tree near the pond with him--sitting on the bench eating a bun. He opened his eyes, wondering the thoughts of yesterday night. "Fang, is there anything good happens recently?" Yinghua asked. It was like always happened every day, each day passed the memories, the future felt like it wasn't meant to be anymore. Still, he got to enjoy life as they grew up and grow apart as time passes, since Yinghua will be twenty-five years old by today. He put the pieces together, like how Yinghua seemed off these past few months, after their promotion; he have also noticed that there is something more. Perhaps something will happen before this moment, either way she has grown a lot over the year. She had once admired the Great Warriors, who protect this land from the monsters and the dragons.
And now, she became a part of the family, as she has saved him so many times. Fang sat down beside her, as she opened the box and set his sights on a beautiful trinket inside. "Oh...!" she gasped before catching the red ruby necklace falling from the box, it had a circle pendant shaped like a circle with a dragon holding two blue-and-white spirals on its body and was surrounded by flower. The necklace had a metal loop, with the metal extending downwards into a chain holding onto a small, flat disk of metal which was inscribed with intricate symbol that she couldn't quite make out. "What's with this trinket?" she asked, tilting her head innocently.
"Yinghua, here... I want you to have it," he said, giving her a golden ring which bears the same symbol with a smaller version, making her recognized the pattern--which she puts on the ring and held the pendant necklace. But, she couldn't understand why it had such significance to her. Until, she felt his warm hand took hold of her hands and a pair of lips are pressed on her forehead, making her eyes widened when he replied. "Go with me, I... don't know if..."
She shook her head, holding his cheek before she gave him a deep and passionate kiss on the lips. Slowly, the fear she had swallowed finally disappeared and the sense of freedom she felt for the first time in her life had faded, into the distance she can see the horizon in the morning and the sun slowly peaked through the mountains in the night, showing an amazing display of colors dancing across the sky. Her eyes fluttered shut as a large amount of blood rushed through her body as she inhaled his natural scent.
This was definitely new for them as their breathing slowed and their noses touched lightly. The rush of air that flowed through their lungs made them both felt relaxed. Fang wrapped his arms around her, pulling her tightly into his chest; his heart racing in fear as he buried his face into her shoulder. "Yinghua... my feelings are changing too, you know..." he murmured, feeling a cold chill run down his spine as his hands trailed up and down her arms slowly; slightly tugging at the bottom of her sleeves. "Why are you telling this? In front of me?"
"Just because..."
His eyes glazed over for a moment before he relaxed and focused his attention on her once again. "I love you, Yinghua. Will you marry me and be my wife...?" he asked, gently stroking his fingers through her hair. Yinghua felt her stomach churned up the words she wanted to say but the meaning behind them confused her, the weight of the choice settled within her; knowing this might be the opportunity for them. "Fang... I..."
Fang nodded, understanding what she just said as he kissed her forehead before she cried in his chest. "I love you too, Fang! I want to marry you!" she confessed.
--------------------------------------END OF FLASHBACK-------------------------------------
The Jade Natatorium has been installed in the chamber of the Imperial Palace, decorated with gold plates and jade sculptures and paintings made by artisans from the imperial court. It has also been repaired by the master craftsman who worked for decades to restore it back to its original glory. The pure waters of the spring flows into a pond, the water flowing from the crystal pool inside the amulet and into a waterfall, the sounds of the falls echoed throughout the chamber. Meiying observed the beautiful scenery, the palace was in celebration over the past few nights and the many people who were pleased with their findings. They have succeeded in achieving this, and she can finally prove to herself that her bond with Zilian is real. "Now... how to deal with your father..."
Zilian nodded when he observed that the problem is still there, but as long the Jade Natatorium is under their control, it won't bother him a bit. "We have to build some walls or traps to prevent the awakening Dragons from destroying this device, plus guarding those entrances... until we have the Philosopher's Stone to finish the work... plus the shards too," he said, turns out the Jade Natatoriums still exists and Meiying knew her father did put some kind of spell on it before all of them were reborn. "Yeah, turns out the Philosopher's Stone does not erase the existence of the Dragon King..."
Fuyin amazed by how his two advisors deal with them and the Black Beasts, he glanced at his daughter Meiying and her younger brother Chengxun who was surprised as well. Xiao chuckled at how her daughter wanted to thank them, but soon returned to her stony countenance. She turned around, her violet eyes shining with excitement. Yinghua bowed before standing back up, a smirk formed on her face. "Now now, don't be surprised if we did this for you and Zilian's safety," she boasted, which they were met with the whole mission they will be dealing with; the awakening.
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